Gas Prices in Montana More Than 20 Cents Lower Than One Year Ago

Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 6.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.71 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy.com

This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.69.

Historical data shows that gas prices in the state have ranged widely over the last five years: $1.94 per gallon in 2015, $3.05 in 2014, $3.14 in 2013, $3.06 in 2012 and $2.99 per gallon in 2011.

Senior Petroleum Analyst Jeff Pelton says 45 out of 50 states have a state gas average below $2 and the national average is at a multi-year low.

“Sadly, these incredibly low gas prices won’t be here forever, as refineries talk of production cuts with crude oil at 13 year low. Additionally, their Spring turnarounds and the changeover to summer spec gasoline also loom ominously on the horizon. The sooner the refineries can complete their maintenance and start producing gasoline again the better for drivers everywhere.”

In surrounding states, the average price per gallon in Idaho is $1.89 and $1.66 in Wyoming.